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In this powerful final episode, I sit down with Dr. Robert Montgomery, Chair of Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025. A heart transplant recipient himself, Dr. Montgomery shares how personal loss and major health challenges fueled his drive to push boundaries in medicine.

In our conversation, we explore his leadership philosophy, his commitment to expanding access to life-saving transplants, and the importance of mentorship in shaping future surgeons. With a career marked by groundbreaking achievements, Dr. Montgomery offers invaluable insights for aspiring surgical leaders and highlights the transformative power of organ transplantation in saving lives. This episode is a fitting conclusion to the season, as Dr. Montgomery’s experiences and advice leave a lasting impression on anyone striving to make an impact in the world of surgery.

Takeaways

• Personal challenges made him more focused during residency.
• Pushing boundaries is essential for innovation in medicine.
• Vision and culture are key to building successful teams.
• Empathy should guide healthcare practices.
• Strategic partnerships can expand access to transplants.
• Smart risks can lead to significant advancements in healthcare.
• Surround yourself with the best possible people.
• You have to be fearless but responsible in decision-making.
• Be present in the moment with patients and colleagues.
• Be open to learning from both positive and negative experiences.

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Bellal Joseph, Martin Gluck Endowed Professor of Surgery, Chief of Trauma, Critical Care, Burns, and Emergency Surgery, and Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Arizona. He shares his remarkable leadership journey, from his early passion for surgery’s human connection to his evolution as a leader on the national stage.

We discuss pivotal moments that shaped his leadership philosophy, the evolving expectations of surgical leaders, and the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and continuous learning. Dr. Joseph introduces the concept of “triple integration” — blending clinical excellence, education, and research — and offers practical advice on building trust within teams, leading through organizational change, and balancing delegation with maintaining influence.

Through powerful personal reflections, he highlights the importance of setting boundaries, leading yourself first, and staying true to your mission, even when challenging the status quo. This conversation is packed with timeless leadership lessons!

Takeaways

• Being clinically competent is essential for effective leadership in surgery.
• The concept of a 'triple threat' in surgical leadership is evolving towards a more integrated approach.
• Understanding your audience is crucial for effective leadership.
• Emotional intelligence involves self-management and the ability to remain calm in chaos.
• Continuous learning is vital for personal and professional growth as a leader.
• Building trust in teams requires recognizing silence as a potential trust gap.
• Alignment in teams is more important than mere agreement.
• Investing time in understanding leadership traits is essential for young surgeons. You build trust by being honest and real.
• Delegation is opportunity, not just a task.
• The hardest person to lead is yourself.
• Communication is key in leadership.

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In this episode, I sit down with Dean Amy J. Goldberg, a master trauma surgeon, visionary leader in academic medicine, and a tireless advocate for education and community engagement. She currently serves as the Marjorie Joy Katz Dean of the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Prior to this role, she held a succession of leadership positions, including Chief of the Trauma and Surgical Critical Care Division, Director of the General Surgery Residency Program, and the George S. Peters MD and Louise C. Peters Chair and Professor of Surgery. Additionally, she is the Chair of the Board of Directors at the American Board of Surgery.

Dean Goldberg shares her inspiring journey from a fascination with anatomy in medical school to becoming a nationally recognized trauma surgeon and medical school dean. She reflects on the mentors who shaped her, the power of following one’s purpose, and how she found a deep sense of home and mission at Temple. We explore her groundbreaking work in community violence prevention through the Cradle to Grave program, her views on leadership, imposter syndrome, and what it truly takes to step into high-impact roles while staying grounded in service and empathy.

Takeaways

• Dr. Goldberg's passion for anatomy drew her to surgery.
• Mentorship played a crucial role in her career development.
• Leadership opportunities can arise unexpectedly.
• Finding a supportive community is vital for success.
• Listening is a key skill for effective leadership.
• Imposter syndrome is common among leaders.
• Data-driven decision-making is essential in healthcare.
• Building strong relationships within the community is important.
• Stumbling in your career can lead to growth and resilience.